Kaitlin Irene Rowland, 33, of Hickory Hills (Glen Ellyn) passed unexpectedly on April 6, 2024.

Born on April 15, 1990 to loving parents Michael and SueAnn Rowland, Katie immediately filled the lives of those around her with joy. The youngest of three sisters, she struggled to find her place in the world, although she always had big dreams. Her laugh was contagious and she had a witty sense of humor. Ever the friendly face, she could befriend others easily and thrived when surrounded by people.

Katie was creative, generous, and bright with so much potential. She dabbled in various arts and crafts and enjoyed cooking.

She cared deeply for her family, and she adored her two cats Gracie and Sal.

Katie could light up a room and the darkness of her loss is deeply felt by all that survive her.

Katie was preceded in death by her grandparents Paul and Margaret Rowland and Marjorie and Lowell Pfeiffer, and her Uncle Patrick Rowland. She is survived by her parents Michael and SueAnn, her sisters Christina (Brian) and Melissa (Rodney),and her beloved niece and nephew Beatrice and Maxwell, along with many cousins, aunts and uncles. She also leaves behind her longtime love, Sean Welch.

Viewing will be private, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following in Katie's honor:

- To Write Love On Her Arms

-The Amy Winehouse Foundation

-Shatterproof

-The Herren Project

-Angels At Risk

-The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

Or your local animal shelter

In honor of Katie's life, we want to bring transparency to addiction and overdose death and the reality of the drug epidemic that is consuming our nation and our loved ones. Katie's struggle with addiction became a barrier to what is truly valuable and to reaching her full potential in life. Her kind hearted spirit was taken from us by a relentless drug, and we ask that you recognize that no one is immune to the epidemic of addiction. We couldn't save Katie in time, but maybe we can save someone else.